An internal blood clot in a vein deep within the body is known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or venous thrombosis. The prominent veins in the thigh and lower leg are the primary targets of DVT, although it can also happen in the arms and pelvis. Acute DVT can happen quickly, creating an urgent or emergency scenario.
Alternatively, blood clots may be a chronic disorder that progressively impairs circulation, generally in the lower body. Venous insufficiency, in which your body has trouble pumping blood back to your heart, can be brought on by recurrent blood clots.
How Does Blood Clot In Legs Occur?
People of any age can develop venous thrombosis; however, those over 60 are more likely to have it. Blood clots may form if your vein’s blood flow slows down or is obstructed.
Risk Factors Of DVT
Being immobile from prolonged bed rest or sitting while traveling or from a family history of blood clots.
- Having an indwelling catheter, which is a long-term blood vessel tube
- Insanity
- Birth or pregnancy during the last six months
- A disorder called Polycythemia Vera causes the bone marrow to produce excessive amounts of blood cells
- Fractures in the legs, hips, or pelvis, or recent surgery
What Are The Symptoms Of Blood Clots in Legs?
Prominent veins in the thigh and lower leg, generally on one side of the body, are most commonly affected by DVT. Blood flow obstruction from the clot may result in:
- Reddish or more dark-colored skin
- Leg pain or swelling (edema)
- Warm-feeling skin when touched
How Is It Diagnosed?
To determine what might be causing DVT symptoms, the doctor does a physical examination. Experts frequently use vascular diagnostics and tests to rule out or confirm venous thrombosis. You could be tested for:
- Doppler Ultrasound Examination: The test provides images of blood flow near a blood clot using sound waves.
- Pelvic MRI: Your doctor may proceed with an MRI of the pelvis if the blood clot is located there, as it often is after pregnancy. Clear pictures of the loca; blood flow, soft tissues, and bones are provided by this non-invasive examination.
- D-dimer blood test: This blood test searches for a protein your body produces while dissolving a clot. An adverse outcome excludes the possibility of a thrombus(clot).
- Complete blood count (CBC): This test determines the chemical composition of each kind of blood cell and reports the results to your doctor. It can identify signs of infection or potential clotting problems.
What Is The Treatment For Blood Clots In Legs?
Thrombolytic treatment is the initial line of treatment for DVT. Anticoagulant, or anti-clotting, medications are used in this treatment to thin your blood. The medication can help stop existing clots from spreading and generating new ones. Most patients who have deep vein thrombosis (DVT) use blood thinners for at least three months.
Doctors Advise
- IV heparin: Heparin is an effective blood thinner that acts immediately. If you are hospitalized, your physicians may provide heparin intravenously or through an IV.
- Injectable heparin: This kind of heparin is administered intravenously once or twice daily and is known as low-molecular-weight heparin. If your doctor prescribes this heparin, you might not have to remain in the hospital.
- Warfarin: Warfarin tablet, frequently in combination with heparin, takes many days for warfarin to start acting.
- Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs): These drugs start to function immediately. Your doctor could prescribe them in place of heparin.
- Xa inhibitors: These more recent medications can be easy to take and function like warfarin. However, they are not suitable for everyone because it might be challenging to stop excessive bleeding.
Surgical Intervention
- Stenting: Stents are little metal tubes that interventional radiologists and cardiologists can insert to hold open veins.
- Vena cava filter placement: The longest vein in the body, the vena cava is filtered by medical professionals. This filter catches blood clots and keeps them from entering the lungs.
- Endovascular Procedures: Surgeons, interventional cardiologists, and interventional radiologists can remove a big blood clot using tiny instruments.
Discover more: What Causes Small Blood Clots In Urine: Unveiling The Answers
Conclusion
Self-medication should be avoided at any cost as it can result in more negative health impacts than actual curing. A comprehensive analysis by a physician can provide an accurate assessment of the underlying conditions and health status. The test-based personalized healing procedure is mandatory for your specific needs. Choose the treatment that tailors your specific needs.
